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In mid-2022 there were 716,000 people economically inactive in the United Kingdom because of mental health and neurological conditions, including depression, nerves, anxiety and autistic spectrum disorders: an increase of 33% from 2019. 196,000 of these people were aged 16-34. Part of the explanation is the scar left behind from the pandemic. But that in itself points to a malaise which is rooted in loneliness and self-orientation. Technology is no substitute for human conversation: no amount of social media, text messaging or conversations with Alexa can replicate it. Background music: 'Digital Solitude' by Silent Partner

Earlier in the week, the consumer prices index measure of inflation fell by more than expected thanks to a fall in transport and food prices. It eased to 7.9% in June, a bigger drop than expected, according to the Office for National Statistics. This was the lowest CPI rate since March 2022 when inflationary pressures began to amplify the headline figure. So what does that mean for the typical household and for potential future base rate rises? Lee Boyce, Sam Barker and Georgie Frost delve into CPI and what that means for mortgages and savers. And on the note of savers, two pieces of data this week point to a mixed picture for our financial resilience. On one hand, a survey suggests one in three people do not have enough savings for an emergency - and on the other, that a third of savers are earning 1% or less, and for some that's on five figure pots. If inflation does stay sticky, pensioners could see a big rise in in the state pension - if politicians keep the 'triple lock' pledge. Data suggests that by 2030, the annual state pension figure is likely to be between £13,000 and £14,000. Before you head off on holiday, we reveal the cruel new scams you need to know about. And… bitcoin to surge to $120,000 by the end of 2024 according to one major bank. How likely is that and why does one expert think it's nonsense.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is looking for more risk to be taken in pensions - is this right? And should they not first sort out the estimated ten million errors in state pension records? Meanwhile one million people will be paying an additional £5,000 per annum on mortgage payments: could the Bank of England have done more? And finally - would Britain be safer if only women were allowed to drive?

The semiconductor industry may have hit bottom based on some recent earnings, but is it only up from here? Tim Beyers and Deidre Woollard discuss the challenges with standing up semiconductor factories in the U.S., the different types of chips Taiwan Semiconductor produces and what companies use them, and the restrictions that impact ASML. Plus, 18 minutes in, Kirsten Guerra and Deidre Woollard explore what solar inverters do and which companies are profiting from this growing niche. Companies discussed: ASML, TSM, NVDA, AAPL, ENPH, SEDG. Host - Deidre Woollard; Guests - Tim Beyers, Kirsten Guerra

When Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, some investors thought Charles Schwab could be next. But, the bank with $8 trillion in client assets is proving to be resilient. Ricky Mulvey and Asit Sharma discuss Schwab’s cash sorting problem, take-aways from bank earnings, and a deadline for the Microsoft/Activision deal whooshing by. Plus, 11 minutes in, Robert Brokamp answers listener questions about 529 plans, target-date funds, and investing in a 401(k). Companies discussed: SCHW, MS, PNC, BAC, MSFT, ATVI. Host - Ricky Mulvey; Guests - Asit Sharma, Robert Brokamp

This episode originated from a woman being informed, after the event, that a scan during pregnancy carried a very low possibility (1:54,000) of increased risk of cancer for her or her unborn child. The mind often finds it difficult to cope with situations like these, and intrusive, compulsive negative imagination can take over. Adam Cox seeks to put these thoughts into perspective, encouraging a more positive view of present and future while accepting that what's done is done. If something irrational is gnawing away inside you about something that's happened or that you've heard, this episode could be of some help.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University thinks the PM and other politicians should avoid playing the central planner and let the increasingly dynamic education market decide which degrees are worthwhile. He feels it obvious that Britain must adopt Small Modular Reactors but wonders if politicians have the guts in the face of vocal opposition. And he is gravely concerned about the threat to free speech if banks are allowed to cancel the accounts of those whose views they disagree with.

James Cameron-Wilson eulogises Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, which has not only sent the UK box office up 58% WOW (and 80% YOY), but has single-handedly rescued the reputation of the blockbuster. Exciting, funny and with excellent acting throughout, the #1 film is the highlight of a dreadful summer and an action movie even those who usually spurn them might enjoy. Not so the documentary Name Me Lawand at #35, which James felt was poorly made. He was no more enthusiastic about horror thriller Run Rabbit Run on Netflix.

Steve Caplin marvels at the $190,000 paid for an original, unopened iphone, at AI helping conquer the world record for juggling and defeating cold callers, at a laser device to rid Western Australia of feral cats, at a music system to keep cows grazing in the right place, at a system to reduce methane in cow dung – that appears utterly impractical, at a new way of charging electric cars that might mean they can enter the 24hr Le Mans race, at a crowd-funded portable hammock, at a device to counter car theft and at the possibility that humans could soon grow new teeth, much like sharks.

Danni Hewson of A J Bell talks to Simon Rose about the market reaction to this week's fall in inflation, explaining why investors have seemed so euphoric. She discusses the sectors that have been hardest hit – and now are benefitting most – from inflation turning downwards, such as housebuilders, consumer-facing stocks and companies in the hospitality sector.